chriskrumnow:
For example my fiero would fall into sts (formerly sts2) in our region.
Regionally, your car would potentially be allowed to run STS2 (now STS), but if a competitor complained, you would be moved to the appropriate class. I have had to do this in the past, and yes, it sucked then as much as it would suck now. It is almost universally better if a competitor is correctly classed in the first place.
All of the FWR classes that are defined in the Solo Rules are run to the Solo Rules. The cars that run in each class are subject to review by the competitors and, if their class legality is called into question, appropriate actions would be taken. This is why there was a strong push eariler this year to define SMS (not SMT). We needed an understanding of what the class was (which we now have). Technically, by our policies and procedures, we can't even run SMT because all we offer are national classes and a novice class (we might want to look at the P&P and fix that). (see excerpt from P&P below)
4. REGULATIONS GOVERNING FORT WAYNE REGION SCCA SOLO EVENTS
All rules and regulations as stated in the current SCCA Solo Rule Book and amendments are applicable to Fort Wayne Region SCCA Solo events. The following local rules are in addition to or supersede those stated in the SCCA Solo Rule Book. Event Chairmen should also consult the current Solo Eventmaster's Guide for more information.
4.1 Automobile Classes
The following Classes shall be offered at all Fort Wayne Region SCCA Solo events.
4.1.1 National Level Classes
All Car Classes specified in the current year SCCA Solo Rules Book for National level Solo competition shall be offered.
4.1.2 Novice Class
A Novice Class shall be offered for Solo drivers that have not participated in more than three (3) events prior to the current year. Novices will be ranked based on performance improvements from first run through last run for each event.
Class rules exist for a reason and need to be consistently applied so that we have competitors who don't have reason to claim favoritism and, more importantly, know what to expect prior to arrival at an event. If we want to go off and create our own class rules, as a region we can decide that, but it is highly likely that our out of region attendance will drop off significantly as a result.
Respectfully-
Bill Headlee
FWR Director at Large
Bill Headlee
1970 Boss 302 CP car
Writeup in Ford Builder magazine